Can Boniva Cause Hair Loss?

Question

Can Boniva cause hair loss?

Answer 1

Hair is still coming out in handfuls.  Two weeks now and no sign of stopping.  Hoping it stops before I\'m completely bald.  Had doctor give me a B12 shot and started on B12 and B6 vitamins.  Also started using Nioxin. Not sure how long this drug will linger in the body.  Just hoping my hair will be retored to its natural thickness and condition in time.  Looks like I\'m going to have to shop for some knit caps next to get me by.  This is a terrible medication.  Never again!!!!    

Comments

I took my first boniva pill on 12-3-12. I began noticing way too much hair loss in my hairbrush within weeks. Days before Christmas I found a baldspot about the size of a half dollar on my scalp. I have very thick hair, always have and I admit that I am a bit vain about it! :-)  After discovering the bald spot, it  didn't take me but a day to think about "why" before I sat down at my pc and found this page. Granted, I take more than a few meds but nothing ever caused hair loss. I am 50 and I broke both the bones in my lower left leg for the second time in five years .... same bones just in a different place. I had a bone density test that 'said' my bones were that of a 90+ year old woman. That's unfortunate for me but if boniva can do what it's done to me after only one pill ... I'm not willing to continue taking it. No thank you! I'm thankful for everyone that took the time to post their experiences ... and I hope mine will help someone as well! Take care.

Answer 2

I am experiencing hair loss since starting Boniva about 4-5 months ago.  

Answer 3

I am only 37 years old and have been taking it since Feb.  My hairstylist told me my hair was thinning on the right side 7 weeks later on the left side.  Now its thinning on top to the point you can see my scalp.  This didn\'t happen before the Boniva started.  Its coming out by the handfuls during showers.

Answer 4

I took my second dose about 2 1/2 weeks ago and am now experiencing severe hair loss.  Can\'t wait to get this stuff out of my system.  No more Boniva for me.

Answer 5

My hair has been falling out since shortly after I started taking this stuff.

Answer 6

I have taken my first dose about 3 weeks ago and am experiencing hair loss.  I have never had this problem.  Any connection?

Answer 7

I also experience hair loss...side effects seem to be more and worse side effects as time goes on

Answer 8

I have been on Boniva for just under a year.  Initially, I had the flu like symptoms when I took it, but was so afraid of breaking more bones (knee, vertebra, both elbows and toe already fractured) that I was committed to staying on it.  Now, over the last 5 months, I notice my hair thinning on top particularly in the part and near the front where my bangs are.  Am I anxious about this?  YES.  Today I saw on GMA that drugs like Boniva are cumulative, and may be able to be stopped at some point.  My bone density scan after a year on Boniva did show improvement in the density, but after reading about other women having bone loss and the fact I have started on low dose compounded estrogen and progesteron (even without a uterus), I am considering getting off Boniva.  I have also developed a very irregular rhythm ( frequent PVCs to the point that I am short of breath with minimal exertion sometimes) but my cardiologist has just upped the dose of Toprol (used for rhythm control and not hypertension).  Apparently, Toprol also has the side effect of hair loss.  I don\'t know about others, but I am not up for being bald just to have stronger bones.  The jury is still out on all of this and in  a year we may all be in a class action law suit trying to get damages for some awful scenario.

Answer 9

I noticed thinning hair about 4 months ago. At first, I couldn\'t figure out what I was doing or taking that would cause this...then rememberd that I had switched from Fosomax to Boniva about 7 months prior. I have stopped the Boniva...but hair is still thin. Apparently, Boniva can take quite awhile to leave your system.

Answer 10

I too have experienced thinning hair with Boniva.  I took it for about 2 years, and just switched to Fosamax, due to changing insurance coverage.  I am very thin on the top now, but Boniva helped my bone density scan.  I also have atrial fibrulation, and am taking Flecainide for it.  I wonder if there is any connection?  Anyone else?

Answer 11

Wow -- after reading everyone\'s comments on hairloss with Boniva, I\'m afraid to get my next infusion!  I do want stronger bones, though.  Does Fosamax have the same side effect??

Answer 12

Three days after taking my 4th dose of once a month Boniva I realized that it was too much of a coincidence that my flu symptoms and the severe pain in left jaw which made every tooth ache in spite of the clean bill of health from my dentist. It had to be the Boniva. This is the only drug that I am take. I never even considered that my extreme hair loss over the last 3 months could also be caused by this same drug. I too can\'t wait to get this out of my system.  Sometimes the cure just isn\'t worth the ailment!

Answer 13

I took Boniva for 11 mos. and was experiencing hair loss, but figured it was part of perimenopause.  Severe hip pain made me decide to quit taking it 2 1/2 mos. ago.  The hair loss has almost stopped! I can blow dry my hair without the bathroom counter having many hairs laying on it. I experienced lower back pain, but had chalked that up to a back injury of almost 2 yrs. prior and my rheumatologist thought my aching knees were bursitis(I\'ve had hip bursitis for 8 yrs). Within weeks of stopping the Boniva, the knee and back pain went away.

Answer 14

I took Boniva for 11 mos. and was experiencing hair loss, but figured it was part of perimenopause.  Severe hip pain made me decide to quit taking it 2 1/2 mos. ago.  The hair loss has almost stopped! I can blow dry my hair without the bathroom counter having many hairs laying on it. I experienced lower back pain, but had chalked that up to a back injury of almost 2 yrs. prior and my rheumatologist thought my aching knees were bursitis(I\'ve had hip bursitis for 8 yrs). Within weeks of stopping the Boniva, the knee and back pain went away.

Answer 15

This is all very interesting to me because I had thin hair and since having the Boniva infusions my hair is the thickest it has ever been and getting thicker by the day.  Lots of new growth at the roots.....I am saying it probably is Boniva but I am also using Nioxin shampoo.......

Answer 16

I\'ve been taking Boniva for over a year.  I started having some hair loss but not enough to cause alarm.  The last three or four months it\'s been increasing.  My Doctor basically told me to accept the loss.  He told me to use Rogaine but that was treating the sympton not the cause.  He said Boniva wouldn\'t cause hair loss.  I talked to my Pharmacist and he sais he\'d heard women say it did, then I found this site.  I\'m sure Boniva is what caused my hair loss, the timing is right.  I\'m going off the Boniva and am grateful for all the women who shared their experience.  I\'m very unhappy with my Doctor, I\'ve been a patient for over 30 years and deserved to be taken seriously.

Answer 17

For all of you who are taking Bonviva and lossing your hair it goes with out saying that the medicine is causing the poblem. I am 47 and I took Bonviva (Roche) for a year, my hair was also comming out. I was under the impression that I could stop taking it...thats not true.  From what I have read about this drug you can never stop taking it (please check with your doctor) and it can cause the reverse reactions to your bones if you do.  I have chosen to stop taking Bonviva and I am changing my diet. Please research as much as possible throught internet about your weak bones and do what is right for you.  Your doctor is not researching your problem he only prescribes the medicine that someone else tells him works. Look up web sights that tell you how to cure osteoporosis with out drugs. www.foodandlife.com/story.htm    This is one I found and there are plenty others.  Also look up info about Bonviva and Bonvia.  Thanks, and God be with Us

Answer 18

I want to tell the women who are asking about Fosamax, I read somewhere that there was a lawsuit against that company you may want to check that out through internet.

Answer 19

I have been taking Boniva for 3 years. The last 2 years I have noticed a change in the texture of my fine hair.  It is much finer then it ever was and just unmanageable.   It is also getting thinner I believe.  When I asked my hairdresser what might be causing this change in my hair she asked if I was taking any medication.  That was the first time I made the possible connection between the change in my hair and Boniva.  I want strong bones, but I want nice looking hair also.  I will be looking for other alternatives to treating and preventing osteoperosis and how to get off of Boniva.

Answer 20

I have been taking Boniva for a year now. My hair has gotten thinner and thinner and I couldn'r figure out why. I am grateful for the other women who shared their experience  with me. My question is, will my hair become thicker when I stop Boniva?  Does anyone have an answer to that question?

Comments

Thank you so much people for writing your experiences.  I am losing my hair too.  I started pill form Boniva six months ago and thought here is another menopause thing I have to deal with until someone told me to check the internet on my medications.  So, has anybody found anything to counter this problem?

Answer 21

Just took Boniva and am also experiencing substantial hair loss. Does anyone know if it stops or when and will it grow back?

Answer 22

I was on Boniva for a year and experienced acid reflux.  A couple of months ago my doctor put me on Prilosec to relieve the stomach symptoms.  PRILOSEC CAUSES HAIR LOSS IN 1% OF ALL PATIENTS TAKING PRILOSEC.  I AM DEFINITELY STOPPING PRILOSEC IMMEDIATELY.

Answer 23

I am taking boniva and have pain in muscles in my left leg from buttocks to ankle will pain go away if i stop taking it

Answer 24

I have been taking Boniva for about a year and hsve experienced a lot of hair loss and the texture of my hair has changed significantly.

Answer 25

I have taken Boniva for two years and am experiencing hair loss. The hair loss seemed to increase after I stopped taking Boniva.

Answer 26

I started having hair thinning after my 3rd dose and GI (diarrhea) around the same time.  I had no idea it could be related to a bone building drug.  I took boniva for 9 months!  If I had put 2 and 2 together I would have quit sooner.  I thought I was doing myself a favor.  I didn't want broken bones, I'm only 51.  My GI issues are better but not back to Pre Boniva.  I think I see the beginning of a little fuzzy hair around my front hairline.  I hope things eventually resolve.
Why didn't my doctor pick up on this??

Answer 27

I took one dose of Boniva.  Had major side effects; couldn't get out of bed for the first 3 days, terrible dizziness, ringing in my ears among others.  I didn't take another one!  Still 3 months after quitting it, the texture of my hair is like peach fuzz and much thinner.  I have fine thin hair to begin with, so the change is more noticeable.  By doctor said it takes several months for the side effects to disappear after quitting, but my hair does not seem to be getting any better with time (actually seems to be getting worse).  

Answer 28

I have been taking Boniva for over a year and in the last few months have noticed considerable hair loss & thinning.  I am so glad I found this site.  No one in my family, father or mother or grandparents, had hair loss but had thick hair and so did I.  I am older (60s) and thought that may have something to do with it but now I am convinced it is Boniva that is causing this.  I take only high blood pressure medicine (for years) and have had no hair loss from it.  I had narrowed it down to the Boniva being that's when the hair loss began.  Thanks for your helpful comments.

Answer 29

I only took one dose of Boniva, had such serious reflux that I decided never to take it again. Reflux began to go away after about six weeks, but then I started losing my hair!! Back,top sides, and under my bangs (forehead).  Hope it comes back in time but it has been five months since the only dose and I am still loosing hair.  Use Nioxine shampoo and Target's brand of Rogaine.  

Answer 30

Thanks so much to all for sharing.I have taken boniva and prilosec for the past couple of years and had significant hair loss, even lost my eyebrows. I  consulted dermatologist,endocrinologist and family practitioner and was told it might be age and to use Rogaine. Not one of them tried to determine what was causing the hair loss. I stopped boniva several months ago on my own and am noticing some regrowth in front. Still no eyebrows. My gyn wanted to set me up for reclast infusion but I found out that it is the same family of drugs as boniva. Tried calcitonin but it hurt my stomach so bad I couldn't take it so guess I will take my chances with osteoporosis.

Answer 31

SENCE STARTING BONIVA I HAVE EXPERINCED CONTINUED AGGRESSIVE HAIR LOSS. IT HAS COME OUT BY HANDFULS. I HAVE HAD THREE INJECTIONS AND AM SURE BONIVA IS THE CAUSE. I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW LONG THIS DRUG STAYS IN THE SYSTEM. AND HOW LONG IF AT ALL MY HAIR WILL GROW BACK. I TOO HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY DOCTOR THAT THE DRUG IS NOT KNOWN TO CAUSE HAIR LOSS. HOWEVER, I HAVE LOST 50% VOLUME OF MY HAIR. I WILL STOP TAKING BONIVA AS I HAVE OTHER CONCERNS OF OTHER SIDE EFFECTS.

Comments

I am 59 years old and started taking Boniva about 2-3 years ago.  At times I would have significant hair loss for 5-6 months and then it would stop and hair would re-thicken. Then later it would start all over again. Had thyroid checked, went to dermatologist, had hormones checked and all came out fine.  The hair loss started again about a year ago and has not stopped. I too have lost at least 50% of my hair volume. They all tell me it is just the normal hair loss cycle. I would agree with that if it were only long hairs that came out, but it is short, medium and long hair. If it keeps up I will eventually be bald. I am glad I found this site. I also justed did an internet search on Singulair and hair loss as I take that too. Guess what? There are plenty of posts there saying that this is a side effect of that drug that is not listed in any of the literature. Perhaps I should stop taking both??

Answer 32

I started taking Boniva about 10 month ago. at first, I had chill kind feeling the first day after taking it. I thought it would get better when the body get used to it. It did get better, but I started hair loss 4 or 5 month ago. I could not figure out why. I had thin hair all along but did not have hair loss problem before. Good thing I checked this site and I believe that my hair loss is related to Boniva. don't know how long the body can get rid of the stuff after stop taking it, hopefully, there will not be any permanent damage:(

Answer 33

 Just happened to check the computer to see if I could find out anything about Boniva and the fact that I am losing my hair.  Can't believe all the stories.  I had always been known to have thick beautiful hair but now it's coming out so much that I plug up the shower.  I've been on it for 3 years, calling the Dr. tomorrow.  

Answer 34

I have taken Bonviva only once about 3 weeks ago and have since  lost a lot of my hair. All of a sudden I realised that my scalp has become visible on top of my head! I also have dyspepsia and  had migraine twice in 3 weeks. I am convinced that this medicine is not good for my system and I will not take any more doses. I have decided to rather change my diet to include more calsium and to increase my exercise, especially walking/hiking, to counter Osteo porosis.

Answer 35

I  too have hair coming out in handfuls. What can be done?  I am stopping the drug  how long
Before hair comes back?  Can anything be done in the meantime?

Answer 36

I  too have hair coming out in handfuls. What can be done?  I am stopping the drug  how long
Before hair comes back?  Can anything be done in the meantime?